Description

Classic and Contemporary Readings in Sociology introduces the reader to sociological issues, theories and debates, providing extracts of primary source material, from both classical and contemporary theorists. Theorists are examined within their historical and sociological framework and the text provides an analysis of developments in sociological thought and research. The text is divided into four main sections: Part One, Origins and Concepts, surveys the history of the discipline of sociology and examines key themes which have influenced sociological theorising and investigation, in particular, social control, culture and socialisation. Parts Two and Four, Sociological Theories and Sociological Research, include a number of readings from the founding theorists and investigators, including Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber and Charles Booth, and also include more recent theoretical writing and research approaches. The focus on theory and research is extended by a selection of readings centred around the theme of Differences and Inequalities (Part Three); these readings provide students with examples of work from an area where sociological theorising and research has been widely applied.

Features

• Uses original sources throughout the text to highlight past and present sociological works.
• Adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the perspectives within sociology, social policy, anthropology, history and psychology.
• Pedagogically organised to feature an introduction which provides an overview of theory, placing theory within its historical and sociological context and each of the readings is then preceeded by a summary highlighting the key points and issues.
• Promotes student learning, with questions at the end of each reading providing the basis for critical thinking and discussion.
• Features activities which allow students to critically think about the readings, prompting them to analyse the connections between differing theories and theorists.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Part I: Origins and Concepts

Part II: Sociological Theories

Part III: Differences and Inequalities

Part IV: Sociological Research

References

Index

Back Cover

Classic and Contemporary Readings in Sociology introduces the reader to sociological issues, theories and debates, providing extracts of primary source material, from both classical and contemporary theorists. Theorists are examined within their historical and sociological framework and the text provides an analysis of developments in sociological thought and research. The text is divided into four main sections: Part One, Origins and Concepts, surveys the history of the discipline of sociology and examines key themes which have influenced sociological theorising and investigation, in particular, social control, culture and socialisation. Parts Two and Four, Sociological Theories and Sociological Research, include a number of readings from the founding theorists and investigators, including Auguste Comte, Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Max Weber and Charles Booth, and also include more recent theoretical writing and research approaches. The focus on theory and research is extended by a selection of readings centred around the theme of Differences and Inequalities (Part Three); these readings provide students with examples of work from an area where sociological theorising and research has been widely applied.

Key features:

• Uses original sources throughout the text to highlight past and present sociological works
• Adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on the perspectives within sociology, social policy, anthropology, and psychology
• Each section is pedagogically organised to feature an introduction which provides an overview of the area, setting the readings in their historical and sociological context; each of the readings is then preceeded by a summary highlighting the key points and issues
• Promotes student learning, with questions at the end of each reading providing the basis for critical thinking and discussion
• Features activities which allow students to critically think about the readings, prompting them to consider and analyse the connections between differing theories and theorists

 Classic and Contemporary Readings in Sociology will be essential reading for all those studying sociology and sociological issues and debates.

Ian Marsh, Rosie Campbell and Mike Keating are all based at Liverpool Hope University College.

Author

This text examines sociological theories and arguments, providing extracts of primary source material, from both classical and contemporary theorists. Theorists are analysed within their historical and sociological framework and the text provides an analysis of developments within sociological thought and research